Torn ACL Symptoms

With the new school year around the corner, kids will be getting back to sports team practices and afternoons on the playground. With the increased activity comes the possibility of knee injuries. It’s important for players, coaches, trainers, teachers, and parents to know the symptoms of a torn ACL. If a knee injury is accompanied by a loud pop, swelling, or severe pain and instability, it may be necessary to seek treatment for a torn ACL immediately.

Signs of an ACL Tear

The ACL (Anterior Cruciate Ligament) is the most commonly injured ligament in the knee. Torn ACLs are on the rise among children and teens, and in addition to being a common sports injury, a torn ACL is also among the most serious knee injuries.

The most common symptoms that accompany a torn ACL include:

An audible popWhen an ACL tears, it can often be heard by the victim and bystanders.

Intense painThe pain from a torn ACL is sharp and immediate.

SwellingWithin a couple hours of the ACL tearing, the knee will swell due to blood from the ligament filling up the knee joint.

InstabilityEven if the pain is tolerable, a knee with a torn ACL is difficult to walk on due to a lack of support. And because of all the fluid in the joint, fully extending the knee can be difficult.

First Aid Treatment for a Torn ACL

The ACL connects the tibia (shin) to the femur (thigh). If a person is showing the signs of a serious ACL injury, the first response should involve the RICE method:

RestThe victim should immediately stop walking or standing.

IceWrap ice in a towel or bag (never place ice directly on the skin) and apply for 15-20 minutes and then remove for 15-20 minutes. Repeat as often as possible.

CompressionTie an elastic bandage, tape, or piece of clothing around the knee. The wrap should be snug but not so tight that it cuts off circulation.

ElevationThe injured knee should be kept above the height of the person’s heart to keep an excess of blood from flowing to the joint.

A torn ACL is a significant injury that can require surgery. If you or a person you know may have suffered a torn ACL, seek out your local FastMed Urgent Care immediately. Our medical professionals strive to provide compassionate and quality healthcare, and our clinics are equipped with on-site labs and X-rays.

We accept most major insurance plans, including Medicare and Medicaid. Check out our Insurance page to verify that your plan is accepted.

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FastMed’s services address a wide spectrum of urgent care, family, and sports medicine needs. In addition to providing immediate walk-in attention for an injury or illness, FastMed provides routine services including vaccines, labs & X-rays, occupational medicine, and school or sports physicals. Urgent care locations are in Arizona, North Carolina, and Texas.

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